Katandra Shanel's Blog: Life Is Just Awful. Ain't It? - Posts Tagged "recognition"

Last night I went through the motions of, "Who has time for another holiday celebration?" here we are recuperating from the jabs of Christmas and the upper cut of New Years is a measly few days away, ready or not, here she comes! Then it hit extra hard, the realization that we live in a truly screwed up world. We need more morals, more values, more PRINCIPLES... And 7 key principles is what the foundation of Kwanzaa stands upon. So I didn't gather the family last night to 'make' them celebrate another man-made holiday with me, but honestly, every holiday has a creator and the rigors of Christmas tradition at this point are sheer, mindless habits (choose the tree - decorate the tree - put the Angel on top of the tree - put the presents under the tree - put milk and cookies beside the tree - gather 'round the tree - sing "Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree"). I have decided not to view Kwanzaa as another holiday celebration, but as a year ending/year beginning recognition. So with that said, yesterday was Ujamaa or Cooperative Economics or Shared Wealth. I don't need a set aside day to discuss this with my family. This is something that we, Jeremy and I, instill everyday within our home. Success to us is a combination of nurturing natural gifts and learned talents AND seizing the opportunity for further, advanced education. That there is a principle we could all build upon, together.
~Katandra Jackson Nunnally